ECAR Fact Sheet for Florida
Used Oil Filters

Regulations
Self-Audit Checklist
Best Management Practices
Contacts
Related ECAR Fact Sheets
Other Relevant Resources

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The following fact sheet was prepared by the ECAR Center staff. Once prepared, each ECAR Center fact sheet undergoes a review process with the applicable state environmental agency(ies). You can check on the status of the review process here. Please read the disclaimer on the status page. While we have tried to present a summary of the essential information on this topic, you should be aware that other items, such as local regulations, may apply to you.

What You Need to Know

To dispose of used oil filters, you need to drain out the used oil thoroughly first.  The oil can then be handled with the rest of your used oil (see the ECAR Used Oil Fact Sheet).  What you do with the drained filter will depend on your location.  As a rule, you can't put them in the trash -- it is illegal in Florida to put used oil filters in a landfill, drained or otherwise.  Under some special circumstances, if your trash hauler delivers trash to an incinerator, you can make a special arrangement with them to take the filters.  But you need to get their agreement in writing.  Your waste oil processor may also accept the filters.

Regulations

Disposal Restrictions. Florida law prohibits disposal of used oil filters in a landfill or in any trash destined for a landfill. If your local disposal company sends its collected refuse to a waste-to-energy plant (an incinerator used to burn municipal solid waste and make electricity), you may be able to obtain written permission from them to dispose of your drained oil filters in the trash. Otherwise, used oil filters must be either recycled or disposed of through a state registered used oil filter processor.

Storage. Used oil filters must be stored in above ground containers which are clearly labeled “Used Oil Filters,” and which are in good condition. The storage containers must be protected from weather and stored on an oil impermeable surface.

Spill Control. If an oil spill occurs as a result of draining or handling used oil filters, you must perform the following cleanup steps:

1. Stop the release;
2. Contain the released used oil;
3. Clean up and properly manage the released used oil and other materials; and
4. If necessary, repair or replace any leaking used oil storage containers or tanks prior to returning them to service.
5. Notify the State Warning Point (800-320-0519) in the event of a discharge of 25 gallons or more.

Used Oil Filter Transport. When you send used oil filters offsite, they must be transported by a state registered transporter. Check with your DEP district office or DEP Hazardous Waste Compliance Assistance Program (800-741-4337) for a current list of approved transporters.

Links to the Regulations. Use the following links to view the regulations pertaining to used oil filter management.

Standards for the Management of Used Oil, Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR Part 279

Edited Summary of Florida Statutes and Department Rules Relevant to Used Oil (FL DEP document)

Self-Audit Checklist

When an inspector comes to your facility, there are certain things they check to see if you are in compliance with environmental regulations. It makes good sense for you to perform a “self-audit” and catch and correct problems before they result in penalties. Also, there are some compliance incentives associated with self-audits (see Audit Policy Page).

Use the following list to audit your used oil filter storage areas and management procedures.

1. Are used oil filters transported to a recovery facility by a registered transporter? Check your records and verify that all shipments of used oil filters were removed from your property by a state certified transporter. You can check on your transporter’s certification by contacting DEP.

Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Most regulations tell you what you have to do to be in compliance, but they don’t explain how to do it. That’s where “best management practices” come into play. BMPs are proven methods that help you to get into compliance and stay there. The following BMPs are recommended for used oil filter management.

• Used oil filters should be punctured and drained for 24 hours. “Hot draining” improves the drainage process.
• Used oil filters can be recycled through a state registered used oil filter processor.
• Before shipping used oil filters off-site, consider crushing drained filters to reduce transportation costs. Check with your used oil filter processor to verify if they accept crushed filters.
• Put oil drained from filters into your “Used Oil” container.
• Maintain storage containers in good condition, indoors, protected from weather or sealed/closed, on an oil-impermeable surface.
• Before contracting a transporter for your used oil filters, ask them questions about their service to reduce your liability. DEP has prepared a set of questions for used oil transporters that you can also use for this purpose (download transporter questions).
• Maintain disposal/recycling receipts for at least 3 years.

Contacts

1. DEP Hazardous Waste Compliance Assistance Program: 800-741-4337.
2. If an oil spill of more than 25 gallons occurs, immediately contact the State Warning Point by phone at 800-320-0519.
3. DEP Storage Tank Regulation Section: 850-488-3935.

1. Used Oil.

Other Relevant Resources

1. Management of Used Oil and Used Oil Filters (Florida DEP Fact Sheet).
2. Spill Control and Emergency Response Procedures for Releases of Used Oil (FL DEP document).

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